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With learning Azure AD to become an Administrator, is which Windows Server 2019 version is better suited? Standard or Datacenter?

Mike 61 Reputation points
2022-11-24T02:08:22.867+00:00

I'm looking to build a server with Windows Server 2019, so that I'm able to learn Azure AD first-hand. So that I'm able to learn and create virtual Machine environments, as well as all aspects that a potential employer will need of an Azure AD Administrator, including maintaining a database.

With that said, is Windows Server 2019 Standard or Windows Server 2019 Datacenter, the better option to go with for this? I realize the Standard version is much less expensive than the Datacenter version. But even just using a trial basis version of either one, which version is best? If I'm going to be using this to prepare for the Azure AD certification path in order to obtain a career as an Azure AD Administrator?

As I'm going to be focusing on the Cloud and remote access aspect. Where as the Standard version sounds as though it's possibly limited with the virtual Machine environment. But I'm not entirely certain from the information I read.

Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Machines
An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.
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  1. Anonymous
    2022-11-24T02:19:00.34+00:00

    The Standard edition will work fine. It won't limit the learning curve in any way.

    it's possibly limited with the virtual Machine environment

    from a licensing perspective yes but with the evaluation you'll have no issues.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. KarishmaTiwari-MSFT 20,772 Reputation points Microsoft Employee Moderator
    2022-11-29T03:32:50.383+00:00

    As Microsoft MVP DSPatrick answered above, choosing any of the two options would be totally fine in terms of learning and certification.

    In addition to that, if there are any specific features that you are looking for in the VM, this comprehensive guide will help understanding the differences between the two:

    Comparison of Standard and Datacenter editions of Windows Server 2019

    If you have further questions, please let us know in the comments.

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